In our research and clinical practice experiences, a common theme emerges from people living with pelvic floor issues -- “I wish someone had told me about this sooner.” Through interviews and conversations, we’ve documented the stories of individuals who didn’t know what questions to ask, didn’t realize their symptoms were treatable, and often assumed they were alone. In her practice, Staci sees these realities unfold in the clinic every day, as both male and female patients arrive with frustration, confusion and a long history of being told that their concerns are normal, inevitable or simply something to live with. Pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence, constipation, pelvic pressure, pain with intercourse and pelvic floor dyssynergia (poor coordination) are more common than most people realize. These symptoms affect millions of adults. Nearly one in four women and one in eight men in the U.S. will experience some form of pelvic floor dysfunction in their lifetime. Yet these issues are often dismissed, hidden or normalized. Although not uncommon, we want to emphasize that dysfunction in the system is not normal. It is treatable. Conversations around pelvic health often begin only after childbirth, surgery or the slow accumulation of symptoms that have significantly affected quality of life. By that point, the affected person is often dealing not only with physical discomfort, but with years of self-doubt or embarrassment.

“No playing with your food, please,” my mom said… I had been caught. I looked up from my plate and grinned.

A young mother came to the ER with her 4-year-old child. The little girl was crying, and the mother was holding a bloody handkerchief over the girl’s mouth. She looked around frantically for someone to help then rushed to the desk and said, “My daughter’s been hurt, and I need to see…” She was cut-off mid-sentence. “You need to take a seat and wait for one of the clerks to sign you in.” Just then, the ER doctor walked in and said to the woman at the desk, “Shame on you. This little girl needs help right now!” He then led the mother and her little girl to an exam room.

Reports have emerged that the nonprofit organization Red River Valley Community Action has laid off a majority of their staff and will be ceasing daily operations. The news was broken by the Grand Forks Herald on Friday through an acquired press release.

Unity Medical Center (UMC) has received the full three-year Acute Cardiac Ready Hospital designation from the North Dakota Cardiac System of Care, which is a part of the North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services. UMC is the third hospital in N.D. to receive this designation along with CHI Mercy Hospital in Valley City and Jamestown Regional Medical Center.

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On Thursday, Aug. 14, community members, kids, and care residents alike got to celebrate at Maple Manor’s first ever Carnival Fundraiser! According to Dawn Bunn, a RN at the facility and organizer behind the event, said that although they didn’t keep count, they had a steady stream of attendees throughout the day. The event featured food trucks, ice cream, inflatable splash houses, face-painting, games, and to top it off, live music from Jordan Thornberg followed by classic jams from Auto Drive. Bunn said the event was a fundraiser for activities for Maple Manor residents.

“Would you like to try the morel mushrooms?” my mom asked one of our relatives. “Julie and her dad went mushroom hunting,” she added.

You’ve likely heard -- maybe even from a medical professional -- that “running is bad for your knees.” But robust scientific evidence, including X-rays, MRIs, population surveys and long-term data, tells a different story: recreational running doesn’t increase the risk of hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA). In fact, it may reduce it.

One of my favorite spots at home is in my front yard. Between my driveway and the front walk, there is a two-footwide patch of soil where I grow wildflowers. This is a test of my own plant identification skills, but also of my patience.